AAEQ vs VYM
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AAEQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $517M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 353 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.66% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AAEQ vs VYM Performance
Alpha Architect US Equity 2 ETF (AAEQ) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, AAEQ is up 11.66% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -10.3% for AAEQ and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AAEQ charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAEQ currently yields 0.09% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AAEQ and VYM share 155 holdings out of 793 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AAEQ or VYM?
AAEQ has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between AAEQ and VYM?
AAEQ and VYM share 155 common holdings with a 31.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AAEQ or VYM?
AAEQ yields 0.09% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.